In the last few weeks I've been on a crafting mission. I'm about to move into a new house with my boyfriend Matt  – our first home together – and I want to include as many homemade things in it as I can. So I've been making candles, wood-burning EVERYTHING, and spray painting picture frames. Not only is it cheaper than buying everything new or ready-made, but these items will give our home a lovely personal touch. 

One of the things I've made – and LOVE – is this soap dispenser, inspired by a make from a gorgeous book by Hester Van Overbeek called Crafting With Mason Jars (published by CICO Books, £12.99). It has more than 35 great ideas on what you can do with the humble preserving jar, from presenting homemade gifts and flowers to using them as candle holders and light shades.

The soap dispenser caught my eye because it was really simple to make (if you know how to use a drill!), and I thought it would fit in perfectly with my future country-style kitchen – think creams and coppers. As I'm not in the house yet, I've taken a picture in a fancy bathroom – but hopefully you get the idea! 

I'm delighted to have been given the opportunity to guest post on the wonderful craft blog MAKEetc.com. So head over to their lovely site to see the full tutorial. Hope you like it! x